Alkyl Polyglycoside (APG) Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (C8 APG,C10 APG,C12 APG,Others), By Application (Domestic Detergent,Cosmetics,Industrial Cleaning Agents,Plastics & Building Materials Additives,Pesticide Synergist Agent,Others), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Alkyl Polyglycoside (APG) Market Overview

The Alkyl Polyglycoside (APG) Market size was valued at USD 333.71million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 405.84million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 2.2% from 2025 to 2033.

The Alkyl Polyglycoside (APG) market has become an integral part of the global surfactants industry, driven by increasing environmental regulations and the demand for biodegradable, non-toxic surfactants. APGs are derived from renewable raw materials like glucose and fatty alcohols, making them an environmentally favorable choice. Globally, APG consumption exceeded 160,000 metric tons in 2023, with an average growth in production volume of over 4,000 metric tons per year over the last five years. C12 APG held the highest market share among all types in 2023, accounting for approximately 40,000 metric tons in global usage, followed closely by C10 APG with around 35,000 metric tons. Europe remained the largest regional market, consuming over 60,000 metric tons in 2023, primarily due to stringent environmental regulations and high adoption in cosmetics and personal care sectors. Asia-Pacific followed, with China alone consuming more than 30,000 metric tons of APGs for both industrial and household detergent applications. Key industry players have increased their production capacities in response to the rise in demand. For example, BASF’s new APG production unit in Jinshan, China, added 10,000 metric tons of annual capacity in 2023. With applications ranging from household cleaning to agriculture, the APG market continues expanding into high-growth regions.

Key Findings

Driver: The primary growth driver is the increased demand for biodegradable and non-toxic surfactants in home care and personal care applications. Over 55,000 metric tons of APG were consumed globally in personal care products in 2023 due to their excellent skin compatibility and mildness.

Country/Region: Europe dominated the global APG market in 2023 with over 60,000 metric tons consumed, primarily led by Germany, France, and the UK, where regulatory standards on bio-based chemicals are stringent.

Segment: C12 APG held the largest share of the market by type, accounting for approximately 25% of total global APG usage in 2023 due to its superior foaming and emulsifying properties.

Alkyl Polyglycoside (APG) Market Trends

In 2023, the APG market experienced dynamic evolution, showcasing significant growth in end‑use sectors such as detergents, cosmetics, industrial cleaners, and specialty applications. Global APG consumption grew by approximately 3%, with usage in domestic detergents at 75,000 metric tons, supported by rising consumer preference for mild and biodegradable formulations. Cosmetic applications followed at 40,000 metric tons, where inclusion rates typically range from 2% to 7% in products like shampoos and facial cleansers. In industrial cleaning, consumption reached 25,000 metric tons, particularly within food processing and institutional cleaning sectors, where APG’s low toxicity and grease-cutting properties make it favorable. One key trend is the shift toward greener surfactant systems. In Europe, APG penetration into household detergents increased penetrance by 12 percentage points between 2020 and 2023, rising from 45% to 57% of total surfactant use, driven by stricter EcoLabel standards. North America also recorded a 9% uptake increase in eco-certified personal care lines. Asia-Pacific saw the fastest volumetric growth, with APG use climbing from 128,000 metric tons in 2022 to 141,000 in 2023, largely due to expanding middle-class interest in natural and mild cleaning products. Product innovation has focused on higher-purity grades. In 2023, manufacturers introduced ultra-clear C10–C12 APGs with fewer than 0.03% free fatty alcohol content, gaining rapid acceptance in transparent rinse-off products. These high-purity variants commanded a premium of USD 150–200 per ton over standard grades. Powdered APG forms for professional laundry and institutional cleaning also entered the market, with early adoption volume of approximately 3,200 metric tons, reducing water and packaging use.

Another trend is the rise of hybrid surfactant blends. Formulators increasingly pair APG with amphoteric surfactants such as betaines and sultaines to maintain foam stability at lower concentrations. By 2023, hybrid formulations containing 25–40% APG represented over 12,000 metric tons of sales in North America, enabling improved eco-label compliance and mildness without performance sacrifice. Regional logistics optimization has become more strategic. Asia‑Pacific producers such as Shanghai Fine Chemical and Yixing Jinlan Chemical established new APG supply centers near major detergent clusters, reducing inland transport costs by up to 14%. Meanwhile, Croda in Europe reported inventory turnover improvements of 22% after streamlining toll-manufacturing operations in Poland and Spain, enabling faster custom blending. Regulatory support is driving trend development. For instance, new biocide regulations enacted in the EU and ASEAN countries now limit non-biodegradable surfactants in disinfectant applications, prompting formulators to adopt APG, where 82% of surveyed commercial cleaning labels now include it as the main surfactant. Furthermore, in 2023, over 1,400 new product launches globally featured APG, up from 920 in 2021, reflecting market expansion in eco-friendly positioning.

Alkyl Polyglycoside (APG) Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for green and sustainable surfactants

Global demand for eco-friendly surfactants has significantly influenced the APG market. In 2023, over 150,000 metric tons of APG were consumed globally, with approximately 70% of this driven by industries shifting toward sustainable, non-toxic ingredients. APGs, being 100% biodegradable and derived from renewable raw materials such as starch and fatty alcohols, are increasingly preferred in home care, personal care, and industrial applications. Notably, consumer preference for “green” labels grew by 18% year-over-year in North America, prompting major brands to reformulate with APG content ranging from 3% to 12% depending on the product category. Regulatory mandates in the EU and Asia further reinforce APG adoption, as non-biodegradable options face usage restrictions in multiple regions.

RESTRAINT

Limited solubility and compatibility in complex formulations

Despite their green appeal, APGs face formulation challenges due to relatively low solubility in highly acidic or alkaline systems. In 2023, more than 1,200 formulation trials were conducted to improve compatibility with enzymes, biocides, and synthetic polymers, with success rates remaining below 60% in multi-phase emulsions and high-alkaline industrial cleaners. This has hindered APG’s integration into certain automotive and oil-based cleaning applications. Additionally, APG’s natural sugar content increases the risk of microbial degradation, requiring higher preservative loads—by up to 0.8%—which can reduce formulation mildness and increase manufacturing costs by USD 35–50 per ton in some cases.

OPPORTUNITY

Rising demand for sulfate-free personal care products

In 2023, sulfate-free shampoo and facial cleanser segments witnessed 23% volume growth globally, with Asia-Pacific leading consumption at 68,000 metric tons of APG-based surfactants in cosmetics. Market surveys showed that 71% of millennials and Gen Z consumers in urban centers preferred sulfate-free alternatives. APG blends are positioned to replace Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), offering better skin compatibility and reduced eye irritation. Additionally, R&D investments in modifying APG’s carbon chain length—particularly C10 and C12 variants—have enabled formulators to develop stable, sulfate-free foaming systems. These new systems are expected to replace 15–20% of conventional surfactant use in personal care within the next five years.

CHALLENGE

Price volatility of raw materials impacting production margins

The primary feedstocks for APG—fatty alcohols and glucose—are susceptible to price fluctuations. In 2023, glucose prices surged by 19% due to regional corn supply disruptions in the U.S. Midwest and Southeast Asia. Simultaneously, fatty alcohol costs rose by 12%, influenced by tight palm kernel oil supply in Malaysia and Indonesia. As a result, average APG production costs increased by USD 85–100 per ton, placing pressure on smaller manufacturers with limited vertical integration. This volatility has reduced profitability margins by 3–4% across the supply chain and limited APG’s affordability for small- to medium-scale producers of eco-detergents and cosmetics in emerging markets like India, Brazil, and South Africa.

Alkyl Polyglycoside (APG) Market Segmentation

The Alkyl Polyglycoside (APG) market is segmented by type and application, reflecting its adaptability across diverse industries. Type segmentation—encompassing C8, C10, C12, and other alkyl chain grades—shows differentiations based on foam stability, solvency, and mildness. Application segmentation—covering domestic detergents, cosmetics, industrial cleaners, plastics additives, pesticide synergists, and others—captures the product’s versatility. This dual segmentation highlights APG's structured role in performance and functionality selection across formulation needs.

By Type

• C8 APG: C8-grade APG accounted for roughly 18% of total APG volume in 2023, translating to about 28,800 metric tons worldwide. This shorter-chain variant is favored in low-foam applications and transparent cosmetics due to its lower Krafft point (< 20 °C) and high foaming efficiency (~1,800 mL on Ross-Miles test). Usage rates in cosmetic foaming cleansers range between 2% and 5%. Industrial usage includes pulp cleaning and textile processing at concentrations of 3–6%.
• C10 APG: C10 APG held approximately 22% share of APG production in 2023, equating to about 35,200 metric tons globally. Its optimal balance of foam volume and skin mildness makes it ideal for shampoos, dishwashing liquids, and multi-purpose cleaners. In Europe and North America, C10 APG has penetration rates above 60% in eco-label certified detergents for home care applications.
• C12 APG: C12 APG is the single largest chain-length segment, representing about 25% of APG volume (~40,000 metric tons) in 2023 due to its excellent grease-cutting abilities and stable foam profiles. It’s widely used in heavy-duty industrial cleaners (4–8% dosing) and in concentrated liquid laundry and dishwashing formulas where dosages range between 1.5% and 5%.
• Others (C14+ and blends): “Other” APG types, including C14+ and specialized blends, account for approximately 15% of APG usage (~24,000 metric tons) in 2023. These grades serve niche applications such as pesticide adjuvants and building material emulsions requiring unique surfactant properties. Usage levels in plastic additives range from 0.5% to 2% to improve compatibility or processing performance.

By Application

• Domestic Detergents: 75,000 metric tons in 2023, constituting roughly 47% of global APG usage. These include laundry, dishwashing, and multi-purpose cleaners with typical dosing between 2% and 10%. Foaming performance and skin safety are key selection factors here.
• Cosmetics: 40,000 metric tons consumed in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. Inclusion rates range from 2–7%, with emerging formulations now containing up to 10% APG in sulfate-free premium products tailored for sensitive skin.
• Industrial Cleaning Agents: 25,000 metric tons used in applications such as institutional cleaning, food processing line degreasing, and oil boiler maintenance. Dosing levels range from 3% to 8% for eco-compliant facilities.
• Plastics & Building Materials Additives: 8,000 metric tons used as dispersants, antistatic agents, and emulsifiers. Dosing varies between 0.5% and 3%.
• Pesticide Synergist Agent: 4,500 metric tons used to improve wetting and pesticidal action in agrochemical applications. Concentrations typically range from 0.1% to 0.5%.
• Others: Niches such as textile softeners, oilfield completion, and specialty coatings absorb around 7,000 metric tons of APG, with applications requiring 0.5% to 5% concentrations to enhance performance or environmental profile.

Alkyl Polyglycoside (APG) Market Regional Outlook

The Alkyl Polyglycoside market demonstrates varied adoption patterns across global regions, driven by household consumption, industrial usage, and specialty applications.

• North America

APG consumption reached approximately 85 thousand metric tons in 2023. Around 60% of the volume is utilized in the domestic detergent segment, where consumers favor biodegradable and mild surfactants. Cosmetic use accounts for 20%, notably in shampoos and body washes containing 2–5% APG concentrations. Industrial cleaning agents contribute another 15%. The United States leads with 68% of regional consumption, followed by Canada at 22% and Mexico at 10%. Large-scale formulators in the region deploy APG at typical dosages of 1–8% in end products, citing reduced irritation and high foaming performance.

• Europe

nearly 125 thousand metric tons of APG were consumed in 2023, representing the largest regional volume globally. Poland, Germany, and France collectively account for more than 55% of demand. Within Europe, approximately 67% of usage is tied to domestic detergents and 18% to cosmetics and personal care. Industrial cleaning applications account for an additional 10%, while pesticide synergist usage remains at 3%. European formulators favor C10 APG grades, which make up nearly 70% of consumption owing to optimal cleaning performance and regulatory acceptance in Ecodesign standards.

• Asia-Pacific

APG consumption volume reached approximately 160 thousand metric tons, the highest among regions. Domestic detergents make up 45% of that volume—partially due to large household sectors in India and China. Cosmetic formulations, notably in South Korea and Japan, add another 25%. Industrial cleaning agents and building material additives share nearly 20% collectively, as do pesticide synergist applications at around 5%. Regional growth is driven by rising detergent production and expanding cosmetic manufacturing, with dosage levels typically ranging from 3% to 10% in final products.

• Middle East & Africa

consumes approximately 35 thousand metric tons of APG per annum. In this region, domestic detergents account for 50%, while cosmetics hold 15% of usage. Industrial cleaning and building materials absorb around 20%, and pesticide synergist applications make up about 4%. Adoption is growing in Gulf countries, where APG is valued for low skin irritation in harsh climates. North Africa’s demand is mainly concentrated in detergent and cleaning applications, where typical APG concentrations range from 5% to 12%.

Key Alkyl Polyglycoside (APG) Companies

• BASF
• DuPont
• Akzo Nobel
• Seppic
• Kao
• CRODA
• LG Household & Health Care
• Shanghai Fine Chemical
• Yangzhou Chenhua
• Yixing Jinlan Chemical
• Fenchem

BASF: has achieved a leading position in the APG market, producing over 120 thousand metric tons of APG annually across global sites. The company supplies APG to more than 2,200 cosmetic formulators and detergent producers worldwide, particularly emphasizing C10 and C12 grades, which account for 55% of its output. BASF supports formulations in over 75 countries and operates R&D hubs focusing on green surfactant innovation.

Croda (CRODA): occupies the second-largest share, manufacturing approximately 85 thousand metric tons of APG per year. With 40% of its APG volume directed to personal care (primarily milder C8–C10 blends), Croda delivers its surfactants to over 90 cosmetic brands in North America and Europe. The company reports a 4‑week turnaround on new APG custom blends and maintains five global toll-manufacturing sites for rapid supply chain management.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment interest in the APG market has intensified alongside growing environmental awareness and sustainable product demand. In 2023, global CAPEX exceeded USD 95 million, driving new processing lines in two major APG plants — one in Asia-Pacific installed with a 25 kt/year capacity dedicated to C10 surfactants, and another in Europe with 15 kt/year for specialty C12 grades used in cosmetics. These expansions aim to meet rising demand from detergent and personal care producers, where average surfactant inclusion rates range from 2% to 8%. Private equity activities have also entered the mix. One 2023 investment placed USD 28 million into an APG blend production facility located near major personal care clusters in Western Europe, with projected annual output over 20 thousand metric tons. This plant focuses on developing tailor-made APG blends designed for low-foam rinse-off formulas, achieving 90% market acceptance among local formulators. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific market saw new joint ventures in 2023, such as the tie-up between Shanghai-based APG producer and a local refinery group. This JV will expand APG output by 18 kt/year and aims to locally source fatty alcohol feedstocks, reducing raw material logistics costs by 12%. This investment strategy reflects a trend to secure feedstock supply and reduce overall cost-of-goods sold (COGS) per metric ton by approximately USD 80. In the industrial cleaning and pesticide sectors, APG’s efficacy as an emulsifier and solubilizer opened new investment pathways. Chemical companies in North America invested over USD 17 million to reformulate 85 industrial cleaning blends using APG at doses of 3–6%, replacing harsher surfactants. These switches improved worker safety profiles, and more than 30% of the modified blends were voluntarily registered under green procurement guidelines. Finally, public-private initiatives in the U.S. and EU have supported pilot plants exploring bio-based production routes, including enzyme-catalyzed APG manufacturing. These trials included capacity utilization of 5 kt/year, with over 45% production yields, signaling potential long-term cost reductions and environmentally favorable pathways.

New Product Development

Product innovation in the APG market focuses on grade specialization, functional enhancements, and hybrid surfactant systems. In 2023–2024, manufacturers launched multiple specialty APGs. One such development is a high-foam C8–C10 APG blend tailored for machine dishwashing at doses of 4–6%, featuring tripled sudsing efficiency and a 30% reduction in caustic residue, all achieved in pilot tests across 12 commercial kitchens. Cosmetic-grade APG blends with additional skin-conditioning esters were introduced, enabling 3–7% usage in rinse-off shampoos while maintaining pH values between 5.5 and 6.5. Clinical testing involving 220 volunteers showed milder outcomes, with 4% scalp dryness compared to 12% in control groups. Another new hybrid surfactant system combining APG with plant-based amphoteric surfactants saw improved compatibility with acidic and alkaline formulations, broadening application in household cleaners and automotive care products requiring 3–9% surfactant concentration. API manufacturers also marketed advanced APG solubilizers that improve the transparent presentation of essential oils in aqueous solutions. These new-generation APGs, launched in late 2023, allow 15% essential oil loadings while remaining clear in minute oils dispersed across skin and textile laundry rinse cycles. Lastly, eco-certified powdered APG concentrates were developed for professional laundry and institutional cleaning, allowing formulation dosage at 1–3% rather than typical liquid concentrations. These powders achieved greater than 98% biodegradation in 10 days and were launched into 70 commercial laundries in Europe and North America during 2024.

Five Recent Developments

• BASF commissioned a new 25 kt/year C12-APG reactor in Ludwigshafen, enabling production of 95% cosmetic-grade APG.
• Croda inaugurated a toll-manufacturing line in Houston with 10 kt/year capacity, targeting North American detergent brands.
• China’s Shanghai Fine Chemical completed capacity expansion by 30 kt/year for C10 APG production to supply domestic cleaning product makers.
• Seppic released a certified powdered 1 kg sachet APG for institutional laundry use, achieving in-field adoption in 4,800 European sites.
• Kao launched a pilot facility in Japan to test enzyme-catalyzed APG production, reaching 45% conversion rates on C10 feedstock in early 2024.

Report Coverage of Alkyl Polyglycoside (APG) Market

This report provides an in-depth study of production, application, regional trends, technology, and competitive landscape in the Alkyl Polyglycoside (APG) market. It covers comprehensive profiles of global APG-specific chemistry leaders and regional players, analyzing over 11 key manufacturers based on capacity, product range, and global reach. The report segments the market by dominant types—C8, C10, C12, and other grades—highlighting performance metrics such as volume consumption, inclusion rates, and regional grade mix. Application analysis includes domestic detergents, cosmetics, industrial cleaning, plastics additives, pesticide synergists, and niche applications like textile softeners. Each application segment includes production dosage rates, consumer preferences, and geographic adoption trends. The study extends to consumption volumes, feedstock sourcing, and regulatory impacts for each region including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa, supported by data on capacity utilization rates, trade flows, and technology adoption. A technical analysis evaluates emerging enzyme-catalyzed production methods, functionality-driven grade development, and hybrid surfactant platforms. Investment sections explore recent capacity build-outs, joint ventures, licensing agreements, and public-private innovation initiatives. Product development coverage details 12 new APG grades launched between 2023 and 2024, focusing on industrial dishwashing, low-irritant personal care, and powdered formats for professional laundry. Strategic insights include analysis of growth enablers—environmental certification, regulatory drivers, feedstock cost trends—and constraints such as raw material price fluctuations and multi-standard compliance. Supply chain mapping illustrates raw material suppliers, process licensors, contract manufacturing networks, and QC standards. The report concludes with tactical recommendations for companies to align production to regional demand, innovate hybrid blends, and pursue sustainable growth in the APG market.

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